Here Are The First Official Images Of The Maserati Levante

Everyone’s making SUVs these days, as they’re massive money spinners in the luxury car segment. Maserati is the latest manufacturer to jump on the bandwagon with the Levante, which is set to make its debut at the Geneva motor show next month. Yesterday we were treated to a leak of some low-res, watermarked images courtesy of AutoWeek, and Maserati has reacted by publishing the first official images.

Technical details are still officially thin on the ground, but the Italian manufacturer claims the Levante’s chassis has been designed to offer the kind of on-road performance synonymous with the brand, while also being “excellent” at going off road. The SUV will also come as standard with “sophisticated electronic suspension with controlled damping and air springs…intelligent all-wheel drive and eight-speed automatic transmission specially calibrated for the brand’s new SUV.”

As part of the leak, however, engine details were revealed. There are two petrol models available, both utilising a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6, while a diesel model is also available, also with a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6.

The Levante makes excellent business sense for Maserati. Every luxury car manufacturer, even those renowned for making performance cars, needs an SUV in its lineup if it wants to make money. And while it might seem like sacrilege sticking an enthusiast-oriented badge on a big ol’ barge, remember that the money made from this will contribute to even more glorious performance cars in the future…